The
Citadel will host an open house to feature the college's new African American
Studies minor from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5, in the Daniel Library's
Rare Books Room.

The
open house will officially introduce the African American Studies program
to alumni returning for homecoming this weekend, to parents and the Charleston
community. It also will jump start fundraising efforts.

Launched
this fall, the 15-hour minor in African American Studies is designed to
encourage an appreciation for the contributions of people of African descent
and emphasize the importance of diversity to the Corps of Cadets and the
surrounding community. Through the interdisciplinary study of history,
politics, English, sociology and culture, the program aims to highlight
the significance of race, gender and ethnicity in American history while
promoting excellence in teaching, research, community service and traditions
in leadership.

A
key part of the program will be the African American Studies Community
Outreach Initiative, which will serve as a channel for student, faculty,
and staff involvement with the community and surrounding area. Outreach
initiatives will include community meetings, conferences, workshops, fundraising
and a speakers' bureau.

The
open house is free and open to the public. Many prominent members of the
Charleston community and Citadel graduates have been invited.